Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Denver
Rather than giving you a list of specific hotel recommendations, were sharing a few of the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Denver this weekend.
In such a big city, there are lots of different areas where you can stay, so you really cant go wrong. Just look for the neighborhood that offers the experience youre looking for.
Visit Denvers Oldest Bar
Visit Denvers oldest bar, My Brother’s Bar, and indulge in one of the best burgers around. Afterward, stroll over to REI, an awesome outdoor gear store, and burn off those burgers by trying to make it to the top of their giant climbing wall. You can wander back and make your way to Confluence Park where the Cherry Creek and South Platte River convene. Hop over to Platte Street and enjoy plenty of bars, restaurants, and even some awesome ice cream.
Attractions Near Downtown Denver
Metropolitan State University Center for Visual Art
Located in the heart of the Art District on Santa Fe, the Center for Visual Art is the off-campus art gallery of Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition to showing significant contemporary art, the award-winning CVA serves as an interactive art laboratory for MSU Denver students and the community.
DENVER FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM
Located in historic Denver Fire Station No. 1, families will love the Denver Firefighters Museum. The building was erected in 1909 and served as a working fire station until 1974. The kids will enjoy the hands-on activities, as well as the exhibits that provide information on fire safety and prevention. Be sure to have the camera ready as they try on equipment, slide down the pole, ride on a fire truck designed specifically for kids and pretend to put out fires. The museum also has a gift shop with toys, apparel, books and more.
HISTORY COLORADO CENTER
The History Colorado Center brings history to life with amazing interactive presentations. Traverse a 60-foot map of the state using a “time machine.” Virtually zoom across the plains in a Model T Ford. And, soar off of a re-creation of one of the world’s first ski jumps in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
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Explore An Urban Winery And Make Your Own Wine Blend
Custom Blending Sessions at Bigsby Folly
Wine lovers? Whisk your date over to Bigsbys Folly, an urban winery located in Denvers thriving RiNo neighborhood.
You can take a tour or sign up for a class to blend your own wine and even customize your own label!
This is the perfect unique Denver date idea for wine lovers!
Browse The Georgetown Christmas Market
Visit Georgetown
A Victorian Christmas awaits in the historic mountain town of Georgetown, located just an hour west of Denver. Georgetown’s Sixth Street transforms into a Christmas vision with a European-style outdoor market, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Christmas carolers.
You can spend the day browsing hand-crafted goods and locally-grown produce or wander through the shops on Sixth Street to find the perfect last-minute Christmas present.
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Colorado Mineral And Fossil Fall Show
DENVER More than 100 retail and wholesale vendors from around the world will be at the 2021 Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show. Vendors will be showcasing minerals, fossils, meteorites, tektites, carvings, gems, jewelry and more. The show at the Crown Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center continues through Saturday.
Find Your Favorite Bowl Of Denver’s Most Popular Dish
$Various locationsEveryone whos spent a significant amount of time in Denver has a favorite spot for green chile. Everyone. But even if youre loyal to a certain bowl of this pork-studded regional go-to, there are countless options to try. Pretty much any restaurant with even a slightly Mexican or Latin slant will have a version so start sampling ASAP. Some must-visits on your green chile adventure?El Taco de Mexico,Uno Mas, andNorth County. Bonus: These spots are all offering to-go options, too.
$Various locationsIf youve accomplished the task of eating green chile on its own, its time to take it up a notch. Perhaps no dish is more uniquely Denver than a breakfast burrito with green chile piled in or atop it. And there are a ton of options to satisfy your quarantine hungover urgesbonus, these babies are made for the to-go life. Santiagos handhelds are ubiquitous, while at El Taco de Mexico when they ask if you want it smothered and with onions and salsa, your answers should be a resounding yes and yes. Folks line up early and often to snag the goods at Bonfire Burrito in Golden, and Weathervane Cafe in City Park West has a sneakily good breakfast burrito, served with hatch green chile salsa for dipping.
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Practice Your Swing At An Indoor Golf Bar
$ – $$$Various locationsDenver is a golf-loving city, with 16 courses in the metro area alone and almost 80 within a 20-mile radius. But indoor simulators and mini-golf courses that usually include a bar or restaurant are sweeping the city. Theres the South Broadway Country Club, complete with simulators and a full bar , and the soon-to-open GC Lounge, featuring Trackman simulators and tasty, country club-inspired fare. A new, 70s Masters-themed mini-golf course will be opening in RiNo later this year, aptly named the RiNo Country Club, and on a similar plane is Denvers own Urban Putt. Plus, you can never go wrong with a classic like TopGolf.
Dazzling Denver Date Night Ideas
Nightlife in Colorados capital city is vibrant and varied. Denver offers more things to do on a date night than just dinner and a movie, or meeting up for a drink.
Whether youre having a romantic night out with your longterm significant other, or just testing the waters on a first date, these fun Denver date ideas will keep things interesting and interactive. Invite that special someone and plan a wild night out on the Mile High City! Theres a lot for two people to see and do. And check out these top local restaurants if you want to add a little food to the mix.
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Stroll Around Sloans Lake And Visit Denvers Newest Food Hall
Edgewater Public Market
Walk, run, skip or jog together around Denvers beautiful Sloans Lake.
Afterward grab a bite to eat in Edgewater at Edgewater Public Market where you dont have to agree on where to eat because the options are endless!
Try a lobster roll, tacos, or an empanada to name a few.
The Room Of Lost Things
The Room Of Lost Things
With such a unique name, you would hope that The Room Of Lost Things would live up to the expectations it has set for itself.
And thankfully, it does.
Located in the Sante Fe Arts Districts, this shop is themed on the macabre and the strange.
If oddities are your thing, then you need to put visiting this shop on your list of things to do in Denver today.
Check out the mummified Prairie dogs lining the shelves, or buy a fossil to bring home as a souvenir.
If youre struggling to identify what it is thats caught your attention, the employees and artists within are more than happy to help you out.
Address: 987 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, United States
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Confluence & Commons Parks
Address: 2250 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Right downtown youll find two of my favorite parks stacked back to back. These parks sit right where Cherry Creek spills into the South Platte River. Here youll find several bridges over the rushing water, expansive green space, and spectacular views.
A personal favorite thing to do in Denver is to take a picnic blanket to the top of the hill and watch sunset over the Rocky Mountains. For additional things to do, check out the Denver Skate Park on the north end, or the giant REI outdoor equipment store on the south end.
Want More?Read Next: Best Things to Do in Colorado | Best Day Trips from Denver | Best Hotels | Where to Stay | Complete Denver Travel Guide| Places to Visit in CO
Congrats for making it all the way to the end of this mega list of the best things to do in Denver! Be sure to check out all my Denver travel articles for tips on things like where to stay, the best day trips, and more.
What did you think? What were your favorite things? What did I miss? Scroll down and leave a comment!
Enjoy your visit to Denver!
Editors Note: Due to the ongoing health crisis, tours of the Denver Mint, which I would normally include high on this list of Denver activities, are not being offered to the public. Ill endeavor to update this article once Denver Mint tours are offered again.
Hike Red Rocks Amphitheater
The Red Rocks Amphitheater is not precisely in Denver, but its known as a Denver place and is a very cool site to see.
Its a naturally occurring amphitheater, and though they have added seats to make this a popular concert venue, its still a pretty place to visit.
Even if you dont have a ticket to a concert, you can visit the amphitheater during the day time and take a walk around.
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Teatulia Tea And Coffee Bar
After your tour around City Park, the zoo, or the museum, you may need a little afternoon pick-me-up from Teatulia Tea and Coffee Bar.
In addition to your standard teas and coffees, try one of their yummy tea sodas. Tea sodas are carbonated teas, and they are made and produced right here in Denver.
They come in many fruit flavors and are an unexpected twist on your usual teas!
For your first night in Denver, we have plenty of delicious dinner recommendations to share.
River North Art District
| Website
For better or worse, Denver has changed dramatically over the past decade. And nowhere is the citys evolution more on display than the River North Art District, known locally as RiNo. Today this former industrial hubs warehouses and factories have been converted to a hip arts district sporting funky breweries, trendy restaurants, pumping bars, boutique shops, and colorful street art adorning nearly available patch of brick or concrete.
RiNo makes for a great self-guided walking tour, especially along the stretch of Larimer between 25th and 32nd streets. Be sure not to miss the vibrant alley behind the Denver Central Market.
Local Tip: Need help figuring out which Denver neighborhood to base yourself in? Check out my mega guide to where to stay in Denver for a rundown of my top picks for the best areas.
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Camp Christmas Immersive Experience
Visit an immersive Christmas experience by Colorado-based installation artist Lonnie Hanzon at the Stanley Marketplace. Over 10,000 square feet of Christmas fun, this is an artistic take on Christmas!
Visit the Union Station Christmas Tree and have a cold brew or a hot toddy. You can visit the Grand Illumination of the Christmas tree and building, and visit Santa on weekends. Check out their event page for more details.
Children’s Museum Of Denver At Marsico Campus First Tuesday Free Nights
Children can do it all at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. They can scramble through a 3½ story climber, step inside a 6-foot bubble, sculpt a clay masterpiece or power a hot air balloon. There’s always something new to explore! During Target Tuesdays, the first Tuesday of each month is free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Things To Do In Denver
Denver, Colorado’s capital and largest city provides mile-high fun and 300 days of sunshine for its residents and visitors throughout the year. What it offers includes outdoor activities, such as visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and the Denver Zoo, as well as indoor activities, such as visits to the United States Mint and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Several of these attractions are conveniently situated in downtown Denver while others are worth the drive or the taking of public transportation necessary to reach them. Regardless of what interests you have the preponderance of things to do in Denver and near Denver will keep you entertained tomorrow and in other days.
Childrens Museum Of Denver At Marsico Campus
At Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, you can do it all. Whether youre navigating through a 3 ½ story climber, stepping inside a 6-foot bubble, sculpting a clay masterpiece or powering a hot balloon, there is always something new to explore. Every day, our expertly designed exhibits and programs encourage kid-powered learning and open doors for Colorado’s curious young minds to express what they know and to discover, create and explore more – on their own terms.
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American Museum Of Western Art
If you love history but dont want to deal with overcrowded museums, the American Museum of Western Art is one of the best places to visit so much so that you should drop in if youre near Denver.
The building itself began its life in 1880, where it was used as a school for women known as the Brinker Collegiate Institute.
After that closed down, it was, surprisingly, turned into a brothel, which could be entered via a secret tunnel underground.
Eventually, William Foxley purchased the building, and he used a huge amount of money to turn it into the museum we know now.
The museums primary goal is promoting Western life, spanning from the early 1800s all the way to modern living.
A wide range of different collections provides insights into more than just Colorado, especially through the Anschutz Collection.
Tours are also available, through which you can get in-depth examinations of over 200 pieces.
Address: 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Watch The Nutcracker Ballet At The Ellie
Colorado Ballet/Terry Shapiro
If you want to introduce your kids to opera this year, catching a performance of “The Nutcracker” is a great way to do it and a fun experience to share as a family.
Fortunately, seeing “The Nutcracker” has been a Denver tradition for over 50 years because the Colorado Ballet has performed Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House every year since 1960.
In 2019, the Colorado Ballet and Orchestra will return for its 59th year producing “The Nutcracker” with 27 performances of this beloved classic at the Ellie.
This holiday event typically sells out quickly, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to share ballet with your family this year.
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Day : Denver Zoo Museum Of Nature And Science Casa Bonita & More
Go to where the wild things are in Denver: the Denver Zoo. One of the nation’s most popular zoos, this one-of-a-kind wildlife adventure in City Park takes visitors on a globetrotting safari. You’ll go nose to nose with a polar bear, trade funny faces with gorillas and orangutans and stretch necks with giraffes. Younger kids will love taking a ride on the Pioneer Train, which chugs past elephants, rhinos and hippos in Pachyderm Park. The Toyota Elephant Passage lets kids get up-close-and-personal with elephants, rhinos and more in one of the worlds largest bull-elephant habitats. The Endangered Species Carousel offers a ride atop one of 48 hand-carved animals. And The Edge is a new up-close peek at rare Amur tigers.
For lunch, pack a picnic and spread out in City Park, which surrounds the zoo with 330 acres of refreshing green space and an abundance of fresh-air activities. A perfect spot is the area surrounding Ferril Lake, where you’ll take in one of the best views of the Denver skyline and the Front Range.
The Denver Art Museum is one of the nations best for its kids programs, including the Just for Fun Family Center, gallery games and Create-N-Takes and its always free for kids 18 and under.
Or head west to the city of Goldens Colorado Railroad Museum, where more than 100 locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses and HO model railroad attractions make the states rail history seem larger than life.
Block Party & Beautiful Junk Sale
LAKEWOOD The Action Center will hold a block party and rummage sale on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the community with plenty of activities for the kids, live music and food trucks. The party and sale will be held at Lakewood United Methodist Church at 1390 Brentwood Street.
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Art District On Santa Fe
The Art District on Santa Fe is one of Colorados designated Creative Districts. It features more than 30 art galleries, studios and businesses.
The neighborhoods traditionally Hispanic roots are on display in the many colorful murals and art installations.
On the first Friday of each month, tour the art from hundreds of artists in galleries, studios, co-ops, upstairs, downstairs, in alleys, on the street everywhere!
Things To Do With Kids In Denver For Christmas
- Christa Jimenez
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Its holiday time in Denver, and its one of my favorite times of the year! There are so many amazing free, cheap and unique Denver holiday activities, that all you have to do is choose the best fit for your family!
Whether you are visiting Denver for the first time or planning the ultimate Denver staycation, Ive rounded up some of our family favorites Christmas activities in Denver. And one special bonus New Years event that you wont want to miss!
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